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Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Cari Boyce
Date: October 29, 2003 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES PLAN TO BRING 800-1,000 NEW JOBS TO N.C.
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced efforts to work with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc. to bring between 800 and 1,000 of the company’s jobs to the state. The jobs are expected to average a base salary of $56,500. With Reynolds’ exceptional fringe benefit package, total compensation will top $100,000. Earlier this week, RJ Reynolds announced plans to merge with Brown and Williamson, the U.S. cigarette business of British American Tobacco, PLC. Andy Schindler, CEO of RJ Reynolds joined Easley in making today’s announcement.
“When Reynolds made me aware of the merger earlier this week we agreed to work to bring these new jobs to North Carolina,” said Easley. “Together we are taking the necessary steps to secure between 800 and 1,000 new, high-paying, high-skill jobs to the state. RJ Reynolds was created in North Carolina in 1875, and I am pleased that 128 years later, they are seeking to expand their operations here.”
The expansion in North Carolina could generate a $40 million to $50 million investment by the company.
"The Governor's leadership and commitment to ensure bringing these new jobs to North Carolina and the Winston-Salem area is critical and will have long-term benefits for the economic viability of our state. We look forward to working with him and the legislative leadership" said Andrew Schindler, chairman and CEO of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc.
“We will have to make some legislative changes and use all the tools at our disposal to make this relocation work for Reynolds and our North Carolina workers,” said Easley. “My discussions with Reynolds have centered around all the steps necessary, including JDIG, to bring these jobs to our state.”
In order, to complete the relocation, the company is seeking an extension and revision of the cigarette export tax credit as well as tax credits to remediate and donate critical property in downtown Winston-Salem to the city’s revitalization efforts. In addition, the company may qualify for other state incentives under existing law.
RJ Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc is the nation’s second-largest tobacco company in the U.S. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJRT) is a wholly owned subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. The newly merged company is Reynolds American, Inc.
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Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Cari Boyce
Date: October 29, 2003 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES PLAN TO BRING 800-1,000 NEW JOBS TO N.C.
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced efforts to work with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc. to bring between 800 and 1,000 of the company’s jobs to the state. The jobs are expected to average a base salary of $56,500. With Reynolds’ exceptional fringe benefit package, total compensation will top $100,000. Earlier this week, RJ Reynolds announced plans to merge with Brown and Williamson, the U.S. cigarette business of British American Tobacco, PLC. Andy Schindler, CEO of RJ Reynolds joined Easley in making today’s announcement.
“When Reynolds made me aware of the merger earlier this week we agreed to work to bring these new jobs to North Carolina,” said Easley. “Together we are taking the necessary steps to secure between 800 and 1,000 new, high-paying, high-skill jobs to the state. RJ Reynolds was created in North Carolina in 1875, and I am pleased that 128 years later, they are seeking to expand their operations here.”
The expansion in North Carolina could generate a $40 million to $50 million investment by the company.
"The Governor's leadership and commitment to ensure bringing these new jobs to North Carolina and the Winston-Salem area is critical and will have long-term benefits for the economic viability of our state. We look forward to working with him and the legislative leadership" said Andrew Schindler, chairman and CEO of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc.
“We will have to make some legislative changes and use all the tools at our disposal to make this relocation work for Reynolds and our North Carolina workers,” said Easley. “My discussions with Reynolds have centered around all the steps necessary, including JDIG, to bring these jobs to our state.”
In order, to complete the relocation, the company is seeking an extension and revision of the cigarette export tax credit as well as tax credits to remediate and donate critical property in downtown Winston-Salem to the city’s revitalization efforts. In addition, the company may qualify for other state incentives under existing law.
RJ Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc is the nation’s second-largest tobacco company in the U.S. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJRT) is a wholly owned subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. The newly merged company is Reynolds American, Inc.
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